Lincoln Chafee: “Thankfully, today Russia is not a major adversary, and I am hopeful that this administration and future ones will indeed…”

“Thankfully, today Russia is not a major adversary, and I am hopeful that this administration and future ones will indeed strengthen U.S.-Russian relations. We are all for that. However, in these uncertain times, unforeseen political instability or a rise in anti-West nationalism could result in Russia becoming a genuine undersea threat in the future. That is a big nation. Perhaps more importantly to the United States in the near term is Russia's sale of its very capable submarines to potential United States adversaries abroad, a move that poses a very serious challenge to our Navy. There are many nations that recognize the cost effectiveness of submarines, even relatively unsophisticated ones: diesel power, for example. Listen to this statistic, Mr. President. According to the Office of Naval Intelligence, more than 600 submarines are operational in the navies of 44 countries. That is an astonishing statistic. Mr. President, 44 nations have submarines. I must say, I have difficulty adding up what the 44 are. Iran recently purchased two Kilo-class submarines from Russia. These vessels are operational today. Who would ever have thought Iran would have submarines? A third Kilo submarine is scheduled for delivery from Russia to Iran this year. In addition, China--that great inland land-based power--intends to buy as many as 22 diesel-powered submarines from Russia over the next 5 years in its quest to enhance its military capability in the South China Sea.”